Pvt. Billy J. Birmingham, 17, former Valparaiso youth, was killed in action
February 26th while fighting with the marines on Iwo Jima Island, according to
word received by his uncle, D. J. Birmingham, of this city.

Young Birmingham was the youngest of four brothers in the service. The others
are Tech. Sgt. Calvin W. in Germany with Hodges' 1st Army; Pfc. William
Jr., in South Pacific, and Tech Sergeant Homer Birmingham.

The soldier was born at Newport, Ark., July 28, 1927, and entered the service on
March 9, 1944. For the last seven months he has been overseas.

While in Valparaiso young Birmingham was employed by The Indiana Steel Products
company and resided at 606 Union street. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. N.
Birmingham, Sr., of Newport, Ark.
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Source: The Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana; April
10, 1945; Volume 18, Page 1, Column 7

Military Rites

Memorial services for Pvt. Billy J. Birmingham, former Valparaiso resident, who
was killed while serving with the U. S. marines at Iwo Jima, Feb. 28, 1945, were
held Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 2:30 p. m. in the First Baptist church at Newport,
Ark. The Rev. Charles F. Wilkins, assisted by the Rev. T. P. O'Shanahan, Church
of Christ minister, officiated. The Newport units of the American Legion and
Veterans of Foreign Wars were in charge of burial services in Walnut Grove
cemetery, where full military honors were given.

Pvt. Birmingham was born in Newport, Ark., July 28, 1927 and entered the service
March 9, 1944. He served with the 5th Marine Division. Three of his brothers
were in the service.

During 1943 and 1944 Pvt. Birmingham lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. U.
Birmingham, at 606 Union street, Valparaiso, and was employed at the Indiana
Steel Products company.

Surviving besides his parents, now residing at Newport, are three brothers,
William U., Jr., Newport; Homer, Booneville; and Calvin of the U. S. army, now
in Japan; one sister, Mrs. Clifton Jackson, Newport, Ark., and an aunt, Mrs.
Dell Parmley, and an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Birmingham, of
Valparaiso.
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Source: The Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana;
January 5, 1949; Volume 22, Number 154, Page 6, Column 8